Learn about plans for the future of Central Avenue at WPCC's December board meeting

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You are invited to join the Waite Park Community Council’s board of directors on Thursday, Dec. 12, as it hears a presentation on the future of Central Avenue from representatives for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The meeting will take place at 7pm at the Waite Park Recreation Center (1810 34th Ave. NE). To attend, go to the main entrance of the school on the north side of the building and press the ‘PARK & REC’ button on the security post to be buzzed in by park staff.

MnDOT is collaborating with local agencies and the public to create a new design for Central Ave. between University Ave. S.E. and I-694. As a part of this project, it is working closely with Metro Transit on the integration of the METRO F Line, a planned bus rapid transit line that will provide improved transit service on Route 10.

Following the presentation and Q&A with transportation planners, the board will have a discussion with 2nd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Abdirashid Ali on recent vandalism and car break-ins in the neighborhood.

The board will also begin planning its 2025 annual neighborhood meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 13.

The complete agenda is available here.

The Waite Park Community Council is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization representing the Waite Park neighborhood in Northeast Minneapolis. Fifteen board members are elected to staggered two-year terms. Meetings are open for all to attend. Questions? Contact info@waiteparkcc.org.

Video: Metro Transit proposes changes to Johnson Street Route 4 bus service

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The Waite Park Community Council welcomed guests from Metro Transit to its Feb. 29 board meeting to discussed planned changes to Johnson Street bus service.

The transit agency is planning several changes to improve Route 4 service. Proposed changes include: 

  • Consolidating bus stops for up to quarter-mile spacing (see map below for specific bus stop locations) 

  • Relocating select stops past a signalized intersection to reduce delays 

  • Expanding the no-parking zone around select stops to ensure buses can fully pull to the curb at the bus stop 

  • Adjusting the route alignment and schedule

  • Installing concrete pads to improve accessibility for customers 

  • Installing new shelters at qualifying bus stops

  • Transit signal priority is being installed at select intersections along Lyndale Ave S in Minneapolis.

  • Bus lanes are being added along portions of Hennepin Ave and 1st Ave NE in Northeast Minneapolis as part of a Hennepin County-lead project.

View Metro Transit’s presentation to the neighborhood in the video player above. More information and a survey is available at https://www.metrotransit.org/route-4

Metro Transit wants feedback on planned Johnson Street changes

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Ride the #4 Route?

Submit your feedback before by March 19 here: surveymonkey.com/r/2024BBR4

Metro Transit is planning changes to the Route 4 bus line that runs through Waite Park on Johnson Street. The agency is seeking feedback on these potential changes:

  • Consolidating bus stops for up to quarter-mile spacing to increase trip efficiency

    • See proposed eliminated bus stops in Waite Park —>

  • Relocating select stops past a signalized intersection to reduce delays

  • Expanding the no-parking zone around select stops to ensure buses can fully pull to the curb

  • Adjusting the schedule

  • Installing concrete pads to improve accessibility for customers

  • Installing new shelters at qualifying bus stops

  • Installing transit signal priority at select intersections along Lyndale Ave S in Minneapolis

  • Adding bus lanes along portions of Hennepin Ave and 1st Ave NE in Northeast Minneapolis as part of a Hennepin County-led project These changes are planned for August 2024.

Join us at an upcoming meeting to discuss these changes as a neighborhood.

Source: https://www.metrotransit.org/Data/Sites/1/media/about/improvements/bbr14/08-02-611013-24_rt4factsheet.pdf

New transit pass aims to help renters and property managers

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The Waite Park Community Council is helping Move Minnesota promote a Metro Transit program that provides low-cost public transit passes to residents of multifamily housing. 

Rental property owners can purchase the passes for tenants for $14 a month per unit through the Residential Transit Pass program. A standard, individual unlimited ride transit pass typically costs $120 a month.

The Residential Transit Pass is available exclusively to property managers and building owners of residences with 10 units or more.

The pass brings savings and convenience for residents, but there are also benefits for property managers. Offering this pass as a perk can help retain and attract tenants. It can also serve as an alternative to off-street parking now that the city has removed minimum parking requirements for new developments. 

Renters and others are encouraged to share this information with property owners/managers. Please contact renterhelp@waiteparkcc.org if you would like help starting a conversation with your landlord or property manager.

Property managers who are interested in learning more about the Residential Transit Pass can email Molly Burns-Hansen at mollybh@movemn.org.

Waite Park homeowners can also help get the word out by sharing this information with neighbors who rent.